CarBuyersNoteBook

2010 Subaru Outback

The redone 2010 Outback was revealed at the New York auto show recently. The ground clearance has improved by 8.7 inches, a new roof rack swings open for usefulness but then closes for aerodynamics and the car itself is roomier thanks in part to a new platform that extends the wheelbase to supposedly make for a smoother ride. The new exterior also includes wider wheel arches and a prominent grille.

The 2010 changes reflect a need for more space, but maintain the wagon’s drive quality. It is actually less than an inch shorter but expands 2.8 inches between the wheels, 2.0 inches in width and 4.1 inches in height. “We’ve made the vehicle much bigger, but we haven’t turned it into a beast,” said Dave Sullivan, product manager for the Outback and the Legacy. The new Outback also gets a power boost. A 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder replaces the previous 3.0-liter unit. There are also two new transmissions: a six-speed manual or chain-type CVT on the four-banger and a five-speed automatic on the six-cylinder. The 2010 Outback comes in 2.5i and 3.6R models, with limited and premium packaging options.

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